Michael Viney responds to queries and observations on nature
Could the avocets seen in Clew Bay recently (Eye Oct 1st) be spoonbills? On October 2nd I saw 10 Eurasian spoonbills on the mudflats at Westport Quay. I really hope there is also a flock of avocets out there somewhere among the scattered island shores of Clew Bay, but I think that this unprecedented spoonbill flock was equally exciting to see.
Mícheál Casey, Regional Vet Lab, Sligo
During September I was fishing for pollack off the Waterford coast near Bunmahon. There was a lot of gannet activity about two miles out, and on closer inspection a pod of dolphins surfaced and surfed across the bow of the boat back to Boatstrand. I have not seen a dolphin here in 20 years.
Nicholas Ahearne, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
There has been a lot of dolphin activity along the Waterford coast this year, according to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (www.iwdg.ie).
I live on the town side of Terenure, and recently I saw a squirrel shoot up a tree. Then I saw one on the wall between me and my neighbour. This is the first time I saw a squirrel here.
Vera Murtagh, Terenure, Dublin 6W